Background:

The prints shown here are from the Fourth Edition of Dr. J. M. Bechstein's History of Cagebirds (or Chamber-birds).  First published in Germany in the late 1700s, Bechstein's work is credited with the growth of interest in Ornithology among the general public.  In addition to portraying the birds in beautifully hand-colored illustrations, Bechstein also provides background on each one including physical description, habitat, food, breeding and attractive qualities.  Later editions of this work were expanded to also include descriptions of Warblers.